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A Cineplex Among Many

Cathay Cineplexes. The impression I got of this particular cineplex when I was a kid was one of style and class. Watching movies there meant something special, especially with the opening of The Cathay at that time. It was definitely a wow moment to see something like that. Watching movies from Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace to Spy Kids there was awesome.

However, the impression has eroded over time and I do not mean that in a bad way at all. Other cineplexes such as Golden Village and Shaw have upped their game and offer new technologies and experiences such as Gold Class. Cathay is still competing and a recognised name but I think Singapore is cluttered with cineplexes and personally, it does not matter where I watch the latest blockbuster as long as I get my fix.

I'm still glad to say that Cathay has included new technology in their cineplexes through the years, such as the inclusion of 3D, digital and even their seats. Additionally, watching a movie in a cinema is still the best, compared to a home theater or a PC screen. Nothing beats the experience and immersion and for that, Cathay still does the job well!

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My Favourite Cinema

Many of my friends complain when I force them to go to cathay to watch a movie. We are mostly westies so it’s usually at Jurong East where there is Shaw and Cathay to choose from. I always go for Cathay even though it’s more expensive.

Firstly the seats are better, with lots of plush that lets you sink right into it but will give you enough support. The cinema halls are slightly larger, which means larger screens and better viewing angles. I usually buy my tickets on the spot to save on booking fees, so the top rows are often filled. Settling for the middle rows in other cinemas means you have to endure neck problems after 2 hour movies, but with Cathay the are still a pretty comfortable experience.

Then there is their popcorn combo. I always resentful buy popcorn because it is criminally overpriced, but Cathay’s combos make me want to leave my money with them. They introdued high quality souvenirs for their seasonal combo. For the Mockingjay Part II, I got a Katniss Everdeen double walled plastic tumbler. For Star Wars Episode VII I got a solid ceramic Stormtrooper mug. These are souvenirs I actually keep, compared to the junk I got at other cinemas.

Both these gifts are free with a combo that came at around $12 with a regular popcorn combo, a drink (two drinks for the Star Wars combo), and a cup full of wedges and nuggets. The popcorn portion may be smaller than the massive cups you get at shaw, but Cathay more than makes up for it with better quality popcorn, and, yes, wedges and nuggets!

Best movie theatre

Cathay has always been my first choice whenever I'm up for getting a movie fix. I love them for their variety of movies, comfortable seating, snacks as well as service!

They're more often than not, the first theatre to be showing new movies in Singapore. They have the widest range of films such that each and every one of us gets to watch a movie that best suits our taste.

The cineplex has loads of promotions that are offered; for students, senior citizens, privileged card holders etc, that makes movie-watching a breeze! Their snacks might seem a little pricey to some but I assure you of its quality! I love having popcorns from Cathay because they're always flavored proportionately. Many that I've tried elsewhere, has some popcorns flavored and some totally plain.

I very much prefer the seatings at Cathay as they're cushioned, more spacious and clean! I'm aware that their staff perform the cleaning of chairs as often as possible to maintain hygiene. At least when I'm enjoying a movie, I won't have to worry about bugs crawling on my hair. EWWWW. :/

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Unique Movies

Cathay cineplex is unique as it offers very intriguing, thought-provoking movies from the drama genre that other cinemas do not. Personally, my deep fond impression of Cathay Cineplex stems from memories of some really good movies I have watched there. The Words, starring Bradley Cooper had an interesting concept of a story within a story within a story, much like the blockbuster Inception.

Love and Other Impossible Pursuits starred Natalie Portman, probed the social emotional complexities of being the third party in a marriage. Everybody’s Fine, starred Robert De Niro and Drew Barrymore, was particularly poignant as it explored the intricacies of family relationships in a somewhat dysfunctional family with grown up children.

Most recently, Cathay Cineplex is yet again showing another movie not shown elsewhere - Paradise, from the award winning writer of Juno and Producer of 500 Days of Summer. Catch it if you can!

Aside from having a good sound system or comfortable seats, one important measure of a good cinema would be the quality of movies it shows. The Cathay cineplex has definitely met that standard. After all, it is how much you enjoyed the contents of the movie that contributes most to the overall cinematic experience.

Just want to sit and watch movies the whole day

From the best sweet popcorn to amazingly-priced student tickets to the comfiest cinema seats, Cathay Cineplex is my favourite place to catch the latest blockbluster or just to hang out with my friends. The most recent movie I watched was Catching Fire, and the already-awesome movie was made even more amazing by an enjoyable cinema experience at the cineplex at West Mall.

The islandwide theatre makes it accessible and convenient. If hanging out in the town area, just pop over to Cineleisure. For Westies like me, just head over to West Mall.

A few tips for those new to this chain of cinemas. If there is an even number of people, get the couple seats. I always do that with my friends, because not only are they the same price, there is no gap between 2 seats making it even spacier. Not to worry if you are afraid of an awkward situation, simply put the armrest down to separate the 2 of you.

Also, they do not provide 3D glasses anymore. One pair costs $2, so be sure to bring them along the next time you watch a 3D movie.

THE CATHAY

THE CATHAY at Handy Road is probably the best cinema in Singapore. I know many people like to go to GV for convenience but THE CATHAY really does offer the best cinematic experience! I go there all the time to watch my movies; they are at a prime location (near Dhoby Gaut MRT station), have plenty of show timings, and great tasting popcorn :)

The only bad point is that sometimes if you sit too near the speakers, it may get a little too loud especially if you are a watching an action movie. One great tip I have to beat the box office queue is to be proactive and take the lift up to the 5th level where they have additional ticketing counters instead of queueing up at the 1st level counter. There's less waiting time and higher chance to get better seats :)

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Average Spent:

7

Best Part:

Overall experience was very comfortable and definitely a place to return to to catch blockbusters.

Westmall Cathay

Just recently, the cinema in west mall (Bukit Batok) has changed to cathay! Imagine my surprise as I have just returned back to Singapore after a few months abroad. Since my secondary school days, I have always frequented Westmall and the cinema then (Eng Wah) is not really that good. Well but its cheap and pretty decent, thus I would not complain.

But just two days ago, I went to watch Thor 2 with a group of friends and wow, the change is astonishing! Seriously, we went about 8pm plus, where there will be no student discount. But, if you want to watch a movie at cathay, remember to bring or borrow a passion card! With passion card discount, the tickets are priced at $7 each. We bought 4 tickets and theres additional two free small popcorns. Granted, the popcorns are really small, but it is enough if you just want something to chew on.

We went into cinema 5 and the seats are really comfy. I really like the way that the seats are built in an ascending gradient, thus for people who are short including me, the seats themselves are already elevated such that there will be less chance of blocking by the person sitting in front of you. This is really an important point to me in cinemas as I dislike having my view blocked; a constant shadow of a head on the screen is no joke.

Well, if you are like me a few days ago, who still thought that Eng Wah is still thriving at Westmall, feel free to frequent it and try for yourself =)

My favourite cinema

Cathay has always been my preferred cinema choice for as long as I can remember. I’m not sure what won me over — it could be the comfy seats, the superb location (making movies after shopping a now default activity in town) or the fact that they are accommodating enough to allow seat selection (ahem, shame on you G –coughs- V –coughs-).

Cathay exudes a slightly classier feel than other cinemas, and the service has hardly disappointed as well, if you disregard the horrible weekend crowd. The launch of the Cathay app has also made it extremely convenient when it comes to checking timings and making e-bookings, so that is one plus point in its favour.

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Awesome service. Just bring lots of jackets

I don't really know why this is common in all cathay outlets but the place is REALLY cold! All my friends have to remind each other to bring jackets if they were going to a cathay cinema because the air conditioning can freeze your fingers off.
I have to say, I am really satisfied with the service at Cathay. The queue moves up quite fast, especially at Woodlands. You can find yourself at the end of a really long queue and five minutes later, you have already bought yourself a ticket. The screen quality is also amazing and the surround sound system is one of the best I have heard.
Overall, Cathay was and still is my choice cinema to patronise

Comfy

I personally prefer GV over Cathay, but this is nothing against Cathay - it just so happens that I've spent more time at the former over the years. The cinemas in Singapore are pretty much equal in quality and experience, with the exception of the premium branches.

I always found Cathay to be slightly comfier than its competitors. The seats at AMK Hub are plush and temperature is at a comfortable level. Those who are vulnerable to the air conditioning should bring a jacket along just in case. I also like it as movie tickets are easier to come by, you can go to a ticket booth half an hour before a show starts and still get rather good seats - something you can never get when you visit GV.

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Remember to cocoon yourself!

The Cathy Cineplex at AMK Hub is the cinema I patronise most, for not only the price of the tickets for students are reasonable, the popcorn sold there are to die for, although they are pretty pricey.

Generally, the cinema has a very comfortable environment, except that the air-conditioning is always way too cold! To watch a movie there, I have to bring a thick jacket and go in a long-sleeve top and jeans to prevent myself from shivering in the cold which also distracts me from the movie being played. Nonetheless, the soft cushioned seats are a luxury to our bottoms as we remained seated for than 2 hours for a movie! No more painful bottoms!